12 Days of Christmas: Writing Tips Day 1

The real Twelve Days of Christmas begin December 25th and end January 5th. But I’m all for a little early joy.

So for the next twelve days, look for a new writing tip every morning. Unlike my Monday Writing Minutes (click link for that page), I’m posting explanations and examples in addition to the images.

A few of us write for ourselves. Most of us write for other people. As storytellers, we want to create a mood. Set a tone. Even mold a new world.

But sometimes we’re so caught up in the excitement of sharing the magic in our head, we forget a reader can only experience what we’ve actually put on the page.

Writing a compelling story requires mastering the craft. But when do you use writing rules and when do you ditch them?

The backbone behind every rule comes down to a simple secret—clarity. The key to holding a reader’s attention comes down to using that clarity to provoke emotion. Whether you’re sharing articles, blogs, how-to’s, or the story unwinding itself in your head, if you write blurry the reader won’t connect and your message will get lost in translation.

Remember: Clarity Provokes Emotion.

So…if you break a rule, go a different direction, or try something new, make sure it works. Make sure you haven’t sacrificed clarity. Make sure your reader understands exactly what you’re trying to do and they see your vision the way you do.

My Latest Release (click image to see in store)

A GIRL CAN RUN FROM HER ROOTS, BUT SHE CAN'T ESCAPE HER HEART. Six years ago, after a practical joke gone wrong, Hendrix Marshall blew the single stoplight in the town of Runaway, Wisconsin, and never looked back. But when Grandpa Joe—retired hippie, Jimmy Hendrix devotee, and the man who raised her—ends up in the hospital, she reluctantly agrees to take a cab home. As long as she can keep the meter running. But then she comes heel-to-boot with Alexander Ryland—former best friend, sometimes nemesis, always secret crush. And his ocean-blue eyes still have the power to launch cartwheels in her belly. Too bad his freestyle attitude makes her certifiable. He’s the reason she left. He won’t be the reason she stays. Even if he’s determined to collect interest on the kiss she’s owed him for the last ten years.
(While this is NOT an inspirational novella, it IS a SWEET, CLEAN, SMALL-TOWN romance.)

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Who Am I?

Author. Editor. Writing Coach. 2016 Golden Heart® Finalist. Coffee addict. Imaginary people fanatic. RWA. NTCW. When I'm not messing with my characters, you can find the inspirational side of me at Crosswalk.com and the young adult author side of me at lorifreeland.com. Repped by Amanda Leuck at Spencerhill Associates.